Power Synonyms - Book Two


Book Description

Hi! My name is Bruce Stirling. Welcome to Power Synonyms. Power Synonyms is based on my innovative vocabulary strategy I call synonym substitution. This is how it works. First, I look at your active English vocabulary. Your active English vocabulary contains English words you know. Because you know them, you use them correctly, for example, a word like MANY. Now here is the problem: On test day, if you use MANY when speaking or writing, will it increase your score? No. Why not? Because MANY does not demonstrate academic language use, the very thing the raters are looking for. But wait. What if you substitute MANY with the power synonym MYRIAD? Compare the two sentences below. Which demonstrates academic word choice when writing and/or speaking? Which will score higher on test day? 1. The world has many problems, 2. The world has myriad problems. That's right. Sentence two-and all you did was change MANY to MYRIAD. Easy, right? That is synonym substitution. That is Power Synonyms!




Power Synonyms - Book One


Book Description

Hi! My name is Bruce Stirling. Welcome to Power Synonyms. Power Synonyms is based on my innovative vocabulary strategy I call synonym substitution. This is how it works. First, I look at your active English vocabulary. Your active English vocabulary contains English words you know. Because you know them, you use them correctly, for example, a word like MANY. Now here is the problem: On test day, if you use MANY when speaking or writing, will it increase your score? No. Why not? Because MANY does not demonstrate academic language use, the very thing the raters are looking for. But wait. What if you substitute MANY with the power synonym MYRIAD? Compare the two sentences below. Which demonstrates academic word choice when writing and/or speaking? Which will score higher on test day? 1. The world has many problems, 2. The world has myriad problems. That's right. Sentence two-and all you did was change MANY to MYRIAD. Easy, right? That is synonym substitution. That is Power Synonyms!




Dictionary of Formal Words: Vocabulary Building


Book Description

2600 Useful Formal Words and Their Meanings Formal words are used in the official language. These words are used in ‘official’ or formal writing. In this book, you will study and learn useful formal words, the names of parts of speech they belong to and their meanings. || Sample This: Formal Words -- A 01 -- abandonment [n.] -- (a). the act of leaving a person, place or thing without intending to return | (b). the act of giving up a practice, a course of action or a way of thinking completely and permanently [synonyms: desertion, forsaking] 02 -- abate [v.] -- to become less strong or widespread; to make something less strong or widespread. [synonyms: decline, subside] 03 -- abhorrence [n.] -- a feeling of strong hate for a way of thinking or behaving for moral reasons [synonyms: detestation, disgust, hatred, loathing, repugnance] 04 -- abstemious [adj.] -- not allowing yourself to indulge too much in enjoyable activities such as eating food or drinking alcohol [synonym: ascetic] 05 -- abstraction [n.] -- (a). a general idea or quality rather than a real person, object, event or situation | (b). the state of thinking deeply about sth and lacking concentration or not paying attention to what is happening around one. [synonyms: absentmindedness, inattentiveness, distractedness] 06 -- abstruse [adj.] -- complicated and difficult to understand especially when it could be explained in an easier way [synonyms: perplexing, puzzling] 07 -- abut [v.] -- (of an area of land or a building) to be next to sth or to have a common boundary with the side of sth [synonym: adjoin] 08 -- abyss [n.] -- (a). a very deep wide crack or opening in the ground 09 -- acclamation [n.] -- loud, noisy and enthusiastic approval or welcome [synonyms: approbation, commendation] 10 -- ache [v.] -- (b). to have a strong desire for sb/sth or to do sth 11 -- acme [n.] -- the highest point or stage of development, achievement or the most excellent example of sth [synonyms: peak, summit, zenith] 12 -- acolyte [n.] -- a person who attends, follows and helps a leader 13 -- aesthete [n.] -- a person who has a love, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of works of art and beautiful things 14 -- affecting [adj.] -- producing strong feelings of distress, pity, regret, sorrow, or sympathy, etc. 15 -- aged [adj.] -- very old; grown old [synonym: matured] 16 -- aggrandize [v.] -- to increase power, wealth, importance or status of a person or country [synonyms: enhance, extend] 17 -- airy [adj.] -- (a). showing no worry about sth or not treating sth as serious | (b). -- not serious or practical 18 -- akin [adj.] -- (a). having some of the essential same qualities [synonym: similar] | (b). related by blood 19 -- allusive [adj.] -- containing a word or phrase that makes a reference to a specific person, event, place, etc. in an indirect way 20 -- aloft [adv.] -- high up in or into the air; far above the ground [synonym: overhead] 21 -- amid (prep.] -- (a). in the middle or course of something (b). surrounded by sth 22 -- amity [n.] -- a friendly relationship [synonyms: concord, harmony] 23 -- anew [adv.] -- (a). again but in a new or different and more positive way | (b). once more [synonym: again] 24 -- anodyne [adj.] -- not likely to cause disagreement or offense; not expressing strong opinions [synonyms: bland, insipid] | (b). capable of relieving pain 25 -- antagonistically (adv.) -- In a manner that shows or feels dislike or opposition [synonym: hostility] 26 -- arcane [adj.] -- strange, secret and mysterious and therefore knowable or understandable only to a few people [synonyms: esoteric, unfathomable] 27 -- artifice [n.] -- the clever use of tricks to cheat or deceive sb [synonyms: deception, pretense] | (b). a skilled piece of workmanship 28 -- audacity [n.] -- rude, shocking or disrespectful behavior [synonyms: cheek, daring, impudence, nerve] 29 -- august [adj.] -- respected, dignified and impressive [synonyms: imposing, majestic] 30 -- aureate [adj.] -- (a). (especially of language) decorated or elaborated in a complicated way | (b). made of gold or having the color of gold [synonym: golden] 31 -- aver [v.] -- to state firmly that sth is certainly true [synonyms: assert, avow] 32 -- avow [v.] -- to publicly express your opinion about sth in a firm way [synonym: affirm]




Dictionary of Humorous Words: Vocabulary Building


Book Description

What are “Humorous Words”? What is Humor? [HUMOUR [(British English) | HUMOR (AMERICAN ENGLISH)] Humor is something that is funny, comical, or amusing Definition of ‘Humorous Words’ Words that are intended to be amusing, entertaining, funny, or comical are called humorous words. Examples: beak [noun] – large or pointed nose of somebody ego-surfing [noun] – the activity of searching your name on different websites on the Internet iron rations [noun] – a small amount of food carried for an emergency by soldiers, etc. while climbing or walking unhand [verb] – to release somebody that you are holding Besides “Humorous Words”, there are some Idioms and Phrasal Verbs which are used to express humor (amusement or funniness) Example- (idiom): a big cheese – a very important and influential person in a big organization Example- (phrasal verb): gird (up) your loins – to get ready to do a difficult task or activity NOTE: Many ‘Humorous Words’ are also used in ‘formal’, ‘informal’ or other sense Example: BEAST beast [noun] [Humorous] – a person or thing who is unpleasant beast [noun] [Informal] – a thing of a particular type beast [noun] [Formal] – a large and dangerous animal A detailed list of ‘humorous words’, parts of speech they belong to, and their meanings are as follows: Humorous Words -- A abaya [noun] a full-length, sleeveless outer garment worn by Arabs abdicate [verb] to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach abibliophobia [noun] the fear of running out of reading material abomasums [noun] the fourth stomach of a ruminant, such as a cow or a sheep absquatulate [verb] to abruptly leave or abscond with something academe [noun] the world of studying, teaching, etc. at academic institutions e.g. universities and colleges accoutrements (accouterments) [noun] pieces of equipment that are required for an activity; accessories acerbate [verb] to embitter somebody acidulous [adjective] rather sour or sharp in speech, manner, etc. adjourn to… [phrasal verb] to go to another place to calm down of advanced years | sb's advanced age [idiom] used to show that somebody is ‘very old’ or aged agelast [noun] one who never laughs aglet [noun] the plastic tip on the end of a shoelace alack [exclamation] used to express sadness or regret allegator [noun] someone who alleges allergic [adjective] strong dislike towards somebody amatory [adjective] relating to physical activity or desire amphibology [noun] grammatically ambiguous phrase or sentence (e.g.: he talked to his son and his daughter) amphisbaena [noun] a mythical serpent with a head at each end anencephalous [adjective] lacking a brain anfractuous [adjective] circuitous or winding anguilliform [adjective] resembling an eel anserine [adjective] goose-like | silly or foolish antediluvian [adjective] traditional or out-of-date anthropophagy [noun] cannibalism apolaustic [adjective] devoted to the seeking of enjoyment apple-knocker [noun] an ignorant or unsophisticated person appurtenance [noun] a smaller part of something larger, superior or more significant archipelago [noun] a chain of islands argle-bargle [noun] meaningless and abundant talk or writing




On War


Book Description




Dictionary of Approving and Disapproving Words: Vocabulary Building


Book Description

1625 Approving and Disapproving Words Approving words in English are words that are used to show something (action, state, etc.) that you generally approve of or think is good. On the other hand, disapproving words in English are words that are used to show something (action, state, etc.) that you generally don’t approve of or think is bad. In this book, you will study and learn various common approving and disapproving words, the parts of speech they belong to and their meanings. Sample This: 01 -- abstruse [adj.] (often disapproving) -- complicated and difficult to understand especially when could be explained in an easier way [synonyms: perplexing, puzzling] 02 -- acquisitive [adj.] (disapproving) -- eager to own to acquire and own money or new possessions (material things) in a greedy way [synonyms: covetous, materialistic] 03 -- acquisitiveness [n.] (disapproving) -- excessive interest in acquiring and owning money or new possessions (material things) in a greedy way [synonyms: covetousness, hoarding, materialism] 04 -- adaptability [n.] (approving) -- (a). the quality of being able to adjust or be adjusted to deal with new and different situations or conditions [synonym: flexibility] | (b). the quality of being able to be modified or suited for a new use or purpose 05 -- adaptable [adj.] (approving) -- (a). to able to adjust or be adjusted to deal with new and different situations or conditions [synonym: flexible] | (b). to able to be modified or suited for a new use or purpose 06 -- adaptableness [n.] (approving) -- (a). the quality of being able to adjust or be adjusted to deal with new and different situations or conditions [synonym: flexibility] | (b). the quality of being able to be modified or suited for a new use or purpose 07 -- adventurer [n.] (often disapproving) -- a man who enjoys taking risks or is willing to take risks with a view to acquire political power or get success in a business, sometimes in a dishonest way 08 -- adventuress [n.] (often disapproving) -- a woman who enjoys taking risks or is willing to take risks with a view to acquire political power or get success in a business, sometimes in a dishonest way 09 -- adventurism [n.] (disapproving) -- a willingness to take risks with a view to acquire political power or to get success in a business, sometimes in a dishonest way 10 -- aesthete [n.] (sometimes disapproving) -- a person who has a love, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of works of art and beautiful things 11 -- affect [v.] (disapproving) -- to try to impress other people by using or wearing sth that looks special/unique; to behave insincerely or unnaturally to impress other people [synonym: put on] 12 -- aggrandize [v.] (disapproving) -- to increase power, wealth, importance or status of a person or country [synonyms: enhance; extend] 13 -- aggrandizement [n.] (disapproving) -- an increase in the power, wealth, importance or status of a person or country [synonyms: enhancement; extension] 14 -- agitator [n.] (disapproving) -- a person who urges others to take part in a protest or rebel, especially a political one [synonyms: campaigner, dissenter, protestor] 15 -- airhead [n.] (disapproving) -- an unintelligent or stupid person [synonym: dreamer] 16 -- airy [adj.] (disapproving) -- not serious or practical 17 -- alarmist [adj.] (disapproving) -- causing unnecessary fear and worry about sth dangerous and unpleasant [synonyms: gloomy, panicky, pessimistic] || [n.] (disapproving) -- a person who causes unnecessary fear and worry about sth dangerous and unpleasant [synonyms: cynic, pessimist, worrywart] 18 -- alien [adj.] (a). (often disapproving) -- from another country, culture or society; not native [synonym: foreign] | (b). (disapproving) -- unusual or unacceptable 19 -- amateur [n.] (usually disapproving) -- an unskilled person [synonym: layperson] 20 -- amateurish [adj.] (usually disapproving) -- done incompetently, inexpertly or unskillfully [synonym: unprofessional] 21 – ambulance chaser [n.] (disapproving) -- a lawyer who earns money by making victims of accident file claims in court 22 -- antiquated [adj.] (usually disapproving) -- (of things or ideas) out-of-date and no longer useful, suitable or accepted for modern conditions [synonyms: obsolete, outdated, outmoded] 23 -- ape [v.] (disapproving) -- (a). to do sth in the same way as sb else, however not in a proper manner [synonym: imitate] | (b). to irritate or make fun of sb by copying the way they behave, talk, or walk, etc in an absurd manner [synonym: mimic] 24 -- appease [v.] (usually disapproving) -- (a). to make sb calmer and prevent them from harming you by accepting their demands [synonyms: conciliate; soothe; pacify] | (b). to make or preserve peace with a nation and avoid war by giving it what they want 25 -- appeasement [n.] (usually disapproving) -- (a). the act or action of making sb calmer and preventing them from harming you by accepting their demands [synonym: conciliation] | (b). the act or action of making or preserving peace with a nation and avoiding war by giving it what they want




The Very Inappropriate Word


Book Description

Michael loves interesting words (hard words like ELASTIC, little words like VAST, and big words like SMITHEREENS) and is always on the lookout for words to collect. Then one day, he picks up a new word. A bad word. An inappropriate word. At least, that's what his friend says. But Michael kind of likes the word. He thinks he might try it out. At school. Bad idea.




Compound Words in English: Vocabulary Building


Book Description

What are “Compound Words”? A compound word consists of two or more base words. The meaning of Compound words is often different from the separate base words. Compound Words and Parts of Speech Compound words are mostly nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Kinds of Compound Words Compound words are of three types: (A). Closed Compound Words: Words are joined together. There is no space or hyphen between the words. Examples: firefly / softball / redhead / keyboard / makeup / notebook (B). Hyphenated Compound Words: Words are joined together by a hyphen. Examples: daughter-in-law / half-sister / over-the-counter / six-year-old (C). Open Compound Words: Words are not joined together. Words are open or separate. In other words, there is a space between the words. Examples: post office / real estate / full moon Some general rules regarding the use of hyphens:- Compound Adjectives are often hyphenated. If a compound adjective precedes a noun, they are hyphenated Examples: low-paying job [low- paying is a compound adjective; job is a noun] easy-going celebrity [easy-going is a compound adjective; celebrity is a noun] Adverbs that end in –ly and compounded with another modifier are generally not hyphenated: Examples: deeply held beliefs genetically modified foods highly placed sources quietly organized meeting ALSO NOTE: 1. Some compound words may have more than one form but these forms may belong to different parts of speech. Examples: bread and butter [open form] [noun] bread-and-butter [closed form] [adjective] charge sheet [open form][noun] chargesheet [closed form] [verb] fast track [open form] [noun] fast-track [hyphenated form] [adjective, verb] first degree [open form] [noun] first-degree [hyphenated form] [adjective] full time [open form] [noun] full-time [hyphenated form] [adjective, adverb] gift wrap [open form] [noun] gift-wrap [hyphenated form] [verb] hard core [open form] [noun] hard-core [hyphenated form] [adjective] hard line [open form] [noun] hard-line [hyphenated form] [adjective] road test [open form] [noun] road-test [hyphenated form] [verb] second hand [open form] [noun] second-hand [hyphenated form] [adjective] 2. Some compound words which are hyphenated in American English are not hyphenated in British English. Example: cash-back [American English]; cashback [British English] 3. Compound words are mainly formed in the following ways: (a). adjective + adjective [example: bittersweet] (b). adjective + noun [example: blackboard] (c). adjective + verb [example: broadcast] (d). adjective + past participle [example: cold-blooded] (e). adjective + present participle [example: free-standing] (f). adverb (or preposition) + adjective [example: ingrown] (g). adverb (or preposition) + noun [example: afterlife] (h). adverb (or preposition) + verb [example: cutback] (i). adverb + past participle [example: brightly lit] (j). adverb + present participle [example: long-lasting] (k). noun + adjective [example: blood red] (l). noun + adverb (or preposition) [example: hanger-on] (m). noun + noun [example: airman] (n). noun + verb [example: air-condition] (o). noun + past participle [example: sun-dried] (p). verb + adverb (or preposition) [example: breakdown] (q). verb + noun [example: bathroom] (r). gerund + noun [example: bleaching powder] (s). noun + gerund [example: air-conditioning] A detailed list of Compound words in Alphabetical Order. [All compound words have been grouped according to the parts of speech they belong to.)




Homonyms, Homophones and Homographs: Vocabulary Building


Book Description

HOMONYMS Homonym a word that is spelled like another word (or pronounced like it) but which has a different meaning, for example, Key meaning ‘set of answer to problems’ and Key meaning ‘button on computer keyboard’. The state of being a homonym is called homonymy. Very Important Note: In Strict Sense, Homonyms have the same spelling, same pronunciation, and different meaning. HOMONYMS in Strict Sense: Same Spelling / Same Pronunciation / Different meaning Homonyms are also known as “Multiple Meaning Words”. Examples: fare, principal, etc. Fare -- a passenger | Fare -- price Principal -- most important | Principal -- head of a school In Wider Sense, Homonyms can also include words that have the same or similar pronunciation (but different spelling) or the same spelling (but different pronunciation). In the first situation, they are called ‘HOMOPHONES’ In the second situation, they are called ‘HOMOGRAPHS’ HOMONYMS In Wider Sense: HOMOPHONES: Different Spelling / Same or Similar Pronunciation / Different meaning Note: ‘Homophones’ are also called ‘Heterographs’. Homophones are also known as “Sound-Alike Words”. Examples: ad/add, know/no, etc. ad -- advertisement | add -- to include know -- to have information | no -- refusal HOMOGRAPHS: Same Spelling / Different Pronunciation / Different meaning Note: ‘Homographs’ are also called ‘Heterophones’. Examples: bow, lead, etc. Bow (noun) -- [Pronunciation -- boʊ] -- a weapon used for shooting arrows Bow (verb) -- [Pronunciation -- baʊ] -- to move your head forwards and downwards Lead (noun) -- [Pronunciation -- led] -- a metallic element Lead (verb) -- [Pronunciation -- li:d] -- to go in front 100 HOMONYMS ALONG WITH THEIR MEANINGS: Sample This: 01. Accident 1. Accident -- an event in which injury or damage is caused in or by a vehicle 2. Accident -- something that happens unexpectedly 02. Action 1. Action -- a legal process 2. Action -- fighting in a war 03. Alight 1. Alight -- on fire 2. Alight -- to get out of a vehicle 04. Angle 1. Angle -- inclination of two lines with each, measure in degrees 2. Angle -- to catch fish 05. Arch 1. Arch -- curve; semicircle 2. Arch -- mischievous 600 HOMOPHONE PAIRS ALONG WITH THEIR MEANINGS: Sample This: 01. Abhorrent / Aberrant 1. Abhorrent -- causing hatred for moral reasons 2. Aberrant -- unusual and socially unacceptable 02. Accede / Exceed 1. Accede -- to agree 2. Exceed -- to surpass 03. Accept / Except 1. Accept -- to admit 2. Except -- apart from 04. Acclamation / Acclimation 1. Acclamation -- loud and enthusiastic welcome 2. Acclimation -- the process of getting used to a new climate or situation 05. Adapt / Adept / Adopt 1. Adapt -- to adjust or modify 2. Adept -- skillful 3. Adopt -- to become legal parents of somebody’s child 150 HOMOGRAPHS ALONG WITH THEIR MEANINGS: Sample This: 01. Absent 1. Absent (adjective) -- not present 2. Absent (verb) -- to not be in a place 02. Abuse 1. Abuse (noun) -- misuse 2. Abuse (verb) -- to misuse something 03. Accent 1. Accent (noun) -- pronunciation 2. Accent (verb) -- to put emphasis on a part of something 04. Address 1. Address (noun) -- details of the place where you live or work; postal address 2. Address (verb) -- to make a formal speech 05. Advocate 1. Advocate (noun) -- a supporter of something 2. Advocate (verb) -- to support something publicly




Dictionary of Informal Words: Vocabulary Building


Book Description

What are “Informal Words?” Informal Words are connected with normal communication with your colleagues, acquaintances, family members, etc. Informal words are more common in speech than in writing. Informal words are used in the ‘unofficial’ language. These words are not used in ‘official’ or formal writing. This book covers around 1400 Informal words (including the names of parts of speech they belong to) and their meanings NOTE: Many informal words are used in both American and British English in the same way. However, some informal words are particularly used in American English only. Similarly, some informal words are particularly used in British English only. Sample This: Informal Words– A A1 [adjective] -- very good abs [noun] -- the muscles of the abdomen ace [adjective | noun] -- very good | number one achy [adjective] -- affected by an uninterrupted pain that is small in degree ack-ack [noun] -- the non-stop firing of guns at aircraft ad [noun] -- advertisement adman [noun] -- a person who works in advertising or promotion adore [verb] -- to be very fond of something aggravate [verb] -- to intentionally irritate somebody a gogo [adjective] -- in large quantities airhead [noun] -- an unintelligent or stupid person all [adverb] -- enormously allergic [adjective] -- having an aversion to somebody/something all right [adverb] -- used to emphasize something almighty [adjective] -- enormous or severe alphabet soup [noun] -- an extremely difficult language with abbreviations or symbols ammo [noun] -- ammunition [supply of bullets, etc; very important information for argument] amp [noun] -- amplifier [a type of electrical device] appalling [adjective] -- extremely bad or poor arm candy [noun] -- a beautiful woman accompanied by a man in a public event arm-twisting [noun] -- the use of physical power or great pressure to convince somebody to do something artsy (arty) [adjective] -- enormously interested in the arts artsy-fartsy (arty-farty) [adjective] -- connected with the arts Aussie [noun] -- a person or native of Australia awful [adjective] -- very bad | used to emphasize a large quantity or sum of something ax (axe) [verb] -- to kill somebody with an ax (axe) | to get rid of a scheme, service, system, etc. | to dismiss somebody from their job *********** INFORMAL WORDS -- Particularly Used In AMERICAN ENGLISH: ace [verb] -- to be successful all-nighter [noun] -- a time when somebody stays awake all night, mainly for studying ambulance chaser [noun] -- a lawyer connected with cases of accident claims amped [adjective] -- excited antsy [adjective] -- unable to keep still any [adverb] -- ‘at all’ [used at the end of negative sentences] A-OK [adjective] -- in satisfactory or perfect condition, manner or style. attaboy / attagirl [exclamation] -- used to admire or encourage a boy or man/girl or woman awesome [adjective] -- first-rate, excellent or pleasurable awful [adverb] -- extremely or enormously INFORMAL WORDS -- Particularly Used In BRITISH ENGLISH: admin [noun] -- Administration [activities connected with organizing something] afters [noun] -- a sweet dish that is eaten after a meal ages -- [noun] a very long time aggro [noun] -- cruel, hostile and aggressive behavior airy-fairy [adjective] -- impractical, unreasonable, unclear all right [exclamation] -- used to say hello all-singing, all-dancing [adjective] -- (of a machine) having advanced features anorak [noun] -- a boring person who is very fond of learning facts or collecting things appro [noun] -- on approval [connected with shopping activities] argy-bargy [noun] -- noisy argument or difference of opinions